Firstat Nursing Services, an in-home care agency serving Poway and San Diego publishes guide to highlight strategies that will help patients and families improve their quality of life and tips to help families cope with this disease.

PRLog - Nov. 30, 2012 - SAN DIEGO -- “Over 25 years ago, President Ronald Reagan decided to create National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month to bring attention to a debilitating disease that, at the time, affected nearly 2 million American families. Every November since, health care workers, care givers and families come together to provide support and highlight tips and strategies for helping loved ones more effectively cope with the disease,” said Linnea Goodrich, president of Firstat Nursing Services in San Diego, CA.

“For families and care givers with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, every day brings new hopes and new smiles as well as a few challenges. While there is no cure for the disease, caring for a loved one can be made easier by learning a few tips and strategies for living more comfortably.”

Reducing Frustration - For most families learning to live with Alzheimer’s, nothing is as it used to be and this can be extremely frustrating to both a caregiver and a loved one. Daily tasks like eating, dressing, even sitting down in a chair can be tremendously overwhelming. In most cases, learning strategies for reducing frustration can help make these situations less eventful. Slowing down and dedicating a bit more time to activities often makes them easier. Limiting choices, while still recognizing the independence of a loved one helps them feel in control. Finally, eliminating distractions by turning off the television, computer etc. allows a loved to focus more clearly.

Creating “Flexible” Routines - One of the easiest, most efficient ways to accomplish most things is by setting a routine that is dependable, consistent and steadfast. Now take that same theory and add flexibility into the mix. Dealing with an Alzheimer’s patient is often a challenge because what worked yesterday may not work the same today. In many cases, changes in mobility, memory issues etc. can turn expected activities on their head- creating chaos. By establishing a routine that is flexible, it’s easier for a loved one to anticipate and prepare for what lies ahead. If for some reason the plan needs to change, it is okay. Preparing a flexible routine helps keep structure, but allows for change if needed.

In Home Care for Support - Families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease understand better than most how strange it can be to resume “life as normal” after diagnosis. Every day brings new challenges, some easier than others. A professional, in home nurse service that specializes in Alzheimer’s care can dramatically reduce the level of difficulty and stress in a home.

In home caregivers are certified and trained to handle the unique needs of Alzheimer’s patients and are highly qualified to deal effectively with a variety of conditions ranging from memory loss to severe mental or physical decline. Families who consider in home care for a loved one often find that a well-deserved break helps them rest, reenergize and return better equipped to handle difficult challenges.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/AlzheimerCare

About Firstat Nursing Services

Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/AlzheimerCare